With the cooler weather coming in, few things are more refreshing than a steaming cup of tea. Green tea, black tea, herbal tea, white tea, oolong tea… I like them all! Chai tea is one of my favorites, though chai actually just means tea in many other languages. Chai in the states usually refers to black tea brewed with herbs and spices, which is the recipe I am giving here.
Tea has the added benefit of bringing relief to people suffering from the cold or flu because it helps clear up congestion. Maybe it’s just me but I am starting to hear more coughing and sniffles, so I am sharing this recipe to bring some relief to anyone with a cold. And even if you are feeling fine this chai tea latte recipe is as delicious as it smells!
You can cook this tea on the stove, though I prefer using my crock pot. Once the tea is cooked you can enjoy it warm or blend it with ice for a cooler version. This recipe can also be great for kids, just use herbal or decaf instead of black tea.
Ingredients
- 4 C. water
- 4 C. milk (coconut milk is a delicious substitute that adds a great flavor)
- 8 tea bags or 1/2 C. loose leaf tea. Black or herbal teas work best, my favorite is English Breakfast.
- 6 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cardamom pods
- 8 whole cloves or 1/2 t. clove powder
- 1 t. vanilla extract
Optional ingredients
- 1 T. chamomile flowers
- 1/2 t. fennel seeds
- 6 thin slices fresh ginger root (great for sore throats!)
- whipped cream
Instructions
1. Heat water, tea, and herbs in crock pot. To make straining easier, keep the herbs in a reusable tea bag, or a clean cloth bag works too.
2. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 6.
3. Add milk and stir until well blended.
4. If you did not confine your herbs to a cloth bag then strain the tea before serving.
5. Serve hot. Whipped cream topping is optional but is a real treat!
This tea smells amazing as it is cooking and the taste will not disappoint. Plus it is healthy since there is not any sugar or other unhealthy additives. Enjoy!